Apparatus for backing electrotypes



Dec. 5, 1939. w B N 2,182,114

APPARATUS FOR BACKING ELECTROTYPES Filed Feb. 8,, 1938 17 Sheets-Sheet 1 1 N VE N TOR. 0/?65 PM Bun/6A Y BY M ATTORNEY.

Dec. 5, 1939. G. w. B UNGAY APPARATUS FOR BACKING ELECTROT YPES l7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 8, 1958 INVENTOR. GEORGE W BUNGA Y ATTORNEY.

Dec. 5, 1939. G. w. BUNGAY APPARATUS FOR BACKING ELECTROTYPES Fil d F 8. 1 3 i7 Sheets-Sheet 3 IN VENT OR. 650/965 Z V. Bums/1 y ATTORNEY.

Dec. 5, 1939. I G, w BUNGAY 2,182,114

APPARATUS FOR BACKING ELECTROTYPES Filed Feb. 8, 19:58 e -Sheet 4 INVENTOR. GEORGE VV. BOA/6A Y ATTORNEY.

Dec. 5, 1939. G w, BUNG Y 2,182,114

APPARATUS FOR BACKING ELECTROTYPES Filed- 8 1938 17 Sheets-Sheet 5 ATTORNEY.

1N VENTOR. GEORGE W BwvGA Y BY I Dec. 5, 1939. G w, BUNGAY 2,182,114

APPARATUS FOR BACKING ELECTROTYPES l7 Sheeis-Sheet 7 Filed Feb. 8, 1958 1 6 INVENTOR.

fife 20E W Bl/NGAY BY W ATTORNEY.

Dec. 5, 1939. G.W.BUNGAY '2,182,114

APPARATUS FOR BACKING ELECTROTYPES Filed Feb 8' 1938 17 Sheets-Sheet 8 I 106 L J L 75 1! Hlll III-iw IITHH ll 166 154 o o r M 16a INVENTOR. GEORGE WBuA/GAY BY ./Z;/MM/

ATTORNEY Dec. 5, 1939. G w, BUNGAY 2,182,114

APPARATUS FOR BACKING ELECTROTYPES Fil d F b, 1938 17 Shets-Sheet 9 INVENTOR.

I VEO/FGE W BUNGAY BY /QZ77/M/ ATTORNEY.

1939. G. w. 'BUNGAY APPARATUS FOR BACKING ELECTROTYPES M 1 W M t T e NB e E. a W .w. I t e R m S E 7 V l 1/ w B Y 7 B 8 m M F d y M m ATTORNEY.

Dec. 5, 1939. G. w. BUNGAY APPARATUS FOR BACKING ELECTROTYPES l7 Sheets-Sheet 12 m l 8 b e F d e l i F ATTORNEY.

Dec. 5, 1939. s, w.' BUNGAY APPARATUS FOR BACKING ELECTROTYPES Filed Feb. 8, 1938 I7 Sheets-Sheet l5 IN VENTOR. ORGE .Bu/VG Y BY ATTORNEY.

Dec. 5, 1939. G. w. BUNGAY APPARATUS FOR BACKING ELECTROTYPES l7 Sheets-Sheet l4 Filed Feb. 8, 1.958

INVENTOR. EORGE W Bl/A/GA Y BY ATTORNEY.

1939. cs. w. BUNGAY APPARATUS FOR BACKING ELE CTROTYPES Feb. Sheets-Sheet INVENTOR.

0 EMZBUNGA 1 BY ATTORNEY.

Dec.5', 1939. G. w. BUNGAY APPARATUS FOR BACKING EL ECTROTYPES l7 Sheets-Sheet 17 Filed Feb. 8, 1938 IN VEN TOR. 0/865 NEVA/GAY ATTORNEY.

Patented Dec. 5, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 27 'Claims.

This. invention relates to electrotypes. More particularly, it relates to an apparatus for backing electrotypes.

- The apparatus constituting the instant invention broadly comprises a pot in which the back ing metal is melted and maintained in the molten condition, a plurality of backing tables, preferably 'arranged radially with respect to the pot, and means to feed a predetermined quantity of molten metal from the pot and pour the same on to an electrotype shell positioned on the backing table, as more fully hereinafter described.

Each backing table comprises an upper and lower member designed to be brought in superposed relationship and to form therebetween a chamber of such dimensions as to accommodate the electrotype shell positioned therein and also the desired thickness of the backing metal to be applied thereto. In one form of the invention, both the upper and lower members of the backing table are provided with means whereby a vac-' uum may be produced on the respective surfaces thereof which constitute the top and bottom of the chamber. Means are also provided whereby the said upper and lower members may be heated or cooled as desired. Means are also provided which cooperate on one side with the top and bottom members to constitute a gate through which the molten backing metal is fed into the molding chamber. On the opposite side, means are provided which cooperate with the molding chamber to form a riser.

The means for feeding the molten backing metal to the molding chamber comprises a spout having a pouring lip which is adapted to be brought into cooperative relationship with the gate. The spout is in cooperative relationship with a pump disposed in the molten metal bath whereby the desired quantity of molten metal may be delivered to the spout, and hence to the molding chamber.

The pump and the spout, together with the other appurtenant elements thereof, are so mounted with relation to the pot that they may be moved with respect to the pot, whereby the molten metal may be delivered and poured "to any of the backing tables disposed radially with respect to the pot. A suitable fluid-actuated mechanism is provided to operate the pump whereby the pump feeds a predetermined quantity of the molten metal to and through the spout as desired. An appropriate mechanism is also provided to bring the spout and particularly the lip thereof in position to supply the molten metal to the gate and, when the spout is not in pouring position, to elevate it'so that no metal can flow therefrom.

In order to more clearly explain and define applicants invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates a diagrammatic plan view of the pot, pouring device and backing tables;

Figure 2 is a plan view of the pot and one backing table together with the mechanism for supplying the metal from the pot to the backing table in pouring relationship;

Figure 2a is a front elevation of the fluidactuated mechanism for operating the pump;

Figure 3 is a side elevation of Figure 2 with the pot and its supporting shell in section showing the pump in operative position for feeding the metal;

Figure 4 is a side elevation of the pot-supporting mechanism and showing the mechanism and appurtenant parts in inoperative position;

Figure 5 is a section taken on the line 5-5 of Figure 2;

Figure 6 is a plan view of the pouring spout;

Figures '7, 8, 9, l0 and 11 are sections taken on the lines l-I, 8-8, 9-9, l0--IU and ll-ll respectively of Figure 6;

Figure 12 is a plan view of one backing table;

Figure 13 is a front elevation of one backing table;

Figure 14 is a side elevation of one backing table as viewed from the right of Figure 12;

Figure 15 is a rear elevation of one backing table;

Figure 16 is a central longitudinal section on the line l6l6 of Figure 13;

Figure 17 is a vertical cross-section taken on the line lI-ll of Figure 16;

Figure 18 is an underside view of the upper member of a backing table partly broken away and taken on the line l8l8 of Figure 16;

Figure 19 is a view of the bottom member of a backing table partly broken away and taken on the line 18-49 of Figure 17; v

Figure 20 is an enlarged'section of the upper portion of a backing table;

Figure 20a is a perspective view of the gate member;.

Figure 21 is a top plan'view of a modified formof a backing-table;

Figure 22 is a central longitudinal section of Figure 21;

Figure 23 is a central vertical section of Figure 22;

'temperature may be used.

Figure 24 is a plan view of the piping and various connections; and

Figure 25 is a circuit diagram.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate like parts, the reference numeral I designates a pot in which any suitable electrotype backing metal is melted and maintained in the molten condition. A plurality of backing tables, each of which is generally indicated by the reference numeral 2, are disposed preferably in a circle about the pot I. Though five backing tables 2 are shown in Figure 1, it is to be understood that the invention is not restricted to this precise number of backing tables. Any desired number thereof may be used. The means for feeding the molten metal from the pot I' to any desired unit comprises a pump, generally indicated by the reference numeral 3, to which a spout 4 is appropriately secured.

The pot I is heated through the medium of gas burners (not shown) whereby the backing metal is melted and maintained in the molten condition so that it can be poured.

The pot I is provided with a peripheral flange 5 which seats on a flange or an angle iron 6 of a cylindrical supporting base or shell 1. Any suitable means for heating the pot I to melt the backing metal and maintain it at the desired In the form shown, the pot I is heated by gas burners (not shown) disposed beneath said pot and in the interior of the shell I. The gas lines and manifolds (also not shown) are covered by a shield 8 positioned adjacent the shell I. By making the shield 8 of a strong, rugged material, it may also serve as a platform upon which an operator may stand in order to secure access to the interior of the pot I when this becomes necessary. The shell I is also provided with a flue pipe 9 whereby the gases of combustion may be removed or air introduced in the interior of the shell.

The shell I is provided adjacent the upper portion thereof with a rail III, the purpose of which will become apparent from the following devscription.

The pump 3 is submerged in the molten metal in the pot I and it consists of a cylinder II which cooperates with a piston I2 carried on a piston rod I3. As shown 'in Figures 3 and 5, the cylinder II is provided with two openings I4, preferably elongated and oppositely disposed, through which the molten metal in the pot I enters into the pump cylinder. The pump in the lower portion thereof is provided with a passage I5 which communicates with another passage I6, the latter being formed in a webbing II which is preferably a. part of the cylinder casting. The passage I6 constitutes a gooseneck. At its upper end, the passage I6 is provided with a flange I8 which is appropriately secured to the flange I9 carried on one end of the spout 4. The casting containing the cylinder II is also provided with a webbing 20. A cap 2| is secured to the upper end 22 of the webbing 20 and onto the lip 23 of the webbing II. The cap 2I is provided in its upper portion with a bearing 24 through which the piston rod I3 is adapted to be reciprocated.

To support the pump 3 and itsappurtenant elements, there is provided a frame structure having a ring 25 provided with a pair of depending arms 26, carrying bearing blocksJ'I and 21' in which shafts 2i and 23' respectively are journaled. The cap 2| is mounted on said shafts (see Figure 5).

It is to be noted that the shafts 28 and 28' are in the same horizontal plane and that the cap 2I is secured thereto at diametrically opposite points. As a consequence, the cap 2I, and hence also the pump 3, is pivotally mounted on said shafts 28 and 23'.

The ring 25 is one element of a carrier which carries the pump 3, to which the spout 4 is secured, and other elements of the apparatus hereinafter described. Due to the fact that the spout 4 is intended to move in a circular path relative to the pot I in order to permit said spout to pour the metal to any of said tables 2, the carrier is so constructed that it is movable in a circular path with respect to the pot. Specifically, the carrier comprises the ring 25 having an appropriate number, such as, for example, three, equally-spaced arms 30 extending radially therefrom. Each arm 30 is provided with a bearing 3I in which a shaft 32 carrying a flanged wheel 33 is mounted. Each of the arms 30 is of such a length that the flanged wheels 33 carried thereby are disposed on'and are capable of riding on the rail II). A shield 34 having an inwardly extending bottom flange 35 is appropriately flxedly secured to each arm 30 and/or to the shaft 32. By virtue of this construction, it is clear that the carrier and hence the portions of the apparatus carried thereby are capable of rotary movement with respect to the pot.

The spout, generally indicated by the reference numeral 4, is of the form shown in Figure 6, and the cross-sections thereof at various points are shown in Figures 7 to 11 inclusive. It is to be noted that the spout 4 is provided with a bend intermediate its ends and at one end thereof thereof provided with the lip 31 is maintained in a raised position;

As previously mentioned, the pump 3, in the preferred form of the invention, is operated by means of any known type of fluid-control or actuating mechanism. In the form shown, the piston rod I3 is secured to the Min), one end of which is provided with a forked member 4| secured to a slide 43 of the fluid-control mechanism, generally indicated by the reference numeral 45. The slide member 43 is slidably mounted on guide rods 46 and is secured to a piston rod and piston (not shown) operating in the fluid cylinder 41. The slide 43 is provided with bolts 48 whereby, upon proper adjustment thereof, the downward movement of the slide is controlled. It is to be noted that the lower portions of the bolts 48 cooperate with the top 49 of the cylinder 41 which functions as a stop. The top 49 of the cylinder limits the upward movement of the piston in the cylinder 41 and hence limits the upward movement of the slide 43.

A fluid, such as compressed air, water, glycerine, etc., is introduced into the cylinder 41, and preferably at the top thereof, by an appropriate line 5| connected to a suitable source of supply and in which there is provided a Valve 52. A line 53, preferably connected adjacent the bottom of the cylinder 41, constitutes an outlet and it is to be noted that the outlet line 53 is also controlled by the valve 52. The valve 52 is a twoway valve and is normally held in an open position with respect to the outlet line 53 and in a closed position with respect to the inlet line 5| by means of a spring 54 which is connected to a link 55 and an ear 56. A handle 51 is'provided for actuating the valve 52, as desired.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the fluid-control mechanism 45 is provided with a fixed support 58 to which are secured the arms 59 of the cap 2 I.

Oppositely disposed with respect to the arms 59, the cap 2| is provided with a pair of arms 68 which are pivotally connected to one end of a link 6|. The other end of the link 6| is ,pivotally connected to the arm 40.

The cap 2|, together with the arms 59 and 66, may be made in a single casting.

By means of an arm 62 secured to the arms- 59 and an ear 64 on the spout 4, the latter is connected to the arms 59.

For the purpose of aiding in maintaining the previously described elements in inoperative position, i. e. non-pouring, there are provided springs .65 having one end thereof secured to a pin 66 on the arm 59 and the other ends thereof secured to eye-pins 6! carried in supports 68 secured to the ring by the screws 69. This serves to elevate the lip end of the spout 4 as previously described.

The pump 3 and the fluid-actuated mechanism '45 therefor are designed and constructed so that the pump during operation will deliver a predetermined quantity of'molten metal to the spout 4. By appropriate adjustment of the elements of the pump and fluid-actuated mechanisms, different quantities of metal may be delivered to the spout.

From the preceding description it is clear that the pump 3, the spout 4 and the fluid-control means are all mounted on the carrier which is designed to travel in a circular path with respect to the pot I, and that upon rotation of said carrier the spout 4 can be positioned so that it can supply the metal from the pot I to any of said backing tables. Also due to the pivotal mounting of the cap 2| on the shafts 28 and 28', when the spout 4 is brought into pouring position, the pump 3 and the fluid-control apparatus 45 as well as the arms 40, 59 and 56 will be appropriately moved.

Since each of the backing tables is of identical construction and design, only one of them will be described.

As previously mentioned, the backing apparatus in one embodiment of the invention comprises a lower member 10 and an upper member 1| designed to be positioned in a spaced superposed relationship to provide a chamber 83 in which the electrotype shell to be backed is positioned and on which shell the backing metal is applied. 1

The member I0 is formed of a plate which on the undersurface thereof is provided with a plurality of threaded bosses I2 into each of which one end of a supporting rod I3 isthreaded. The other ends of the supporting rods I3 are conveniently and adjustably secured to the base shell I4 which is carried on a vertical hollow support I5. By appropriate adjustment of the supporting rods I3, the member I8 may be positioned so that the upper surface thereof is in a substantially horizontal plane and further it may be raised or lowered with respect to the upper member II. By mounting the plate ID, as described, on the rods I3 heat radiation from said plate is substantially prevented and allowance for expansion is obtained.

The member I0 is so designed and constructed that when the electrotype shell is placed thereon it will be securely held in substantially horizontal position. Though various means may be used for this purpose, I prefer to hold the electrotype shell in position by means of a vacuum. With this in view, the top surface of the plate I0 is provided with alternate ribs I6 and grooves I6, as shown in Figure 19. Each of the grooves I6 is provided with one or more passages 17 which communicate with pipes I8 cast into the member I0 and which are connected to a suitable source for producing a vacuum. As hereafter explained, a low vacuum when a thin shell is to be backed and a high vacuum when a thick shell is to be backed, can be secured. Though in the form illustrated there are shown two pipes 18, one at each side of the member ID, it-is to be understood that the invention is not restricted to this precise number and that any desired number of pipes I8 and communicating passages 11 may be used.

During the carrying out of the process, it is necessary to heat and cool the plate I0. In the embodiment of the invention shown, the plate I0 is heated by gas burners 8| disposed therebeneath and inthe base shell 14. Since any type of gas burners may be used, further description thereof is unnecessary.

As previously mentioned, the support I5 is hollow, and the lower end thereof is connected through a branch 82 to the outlet of a suitable blower mechanism whereby, upon actuation of the blower, a cooling fluid, such as air, may be blown upon the under surface of the member I8 to cool the same.

The plate I0 is also provided with passages I9 and into which thermometers or other electrical control or indicating mechanisms may be inserted. For example, in passage I9 there is provided a heat-sensitive mechanism which controls the supply and cut-off of the gas to the burners 8|. In passage 88 there is provided a heat-sensitive mechanism which controls the supply and cut-off of the cooling air to the plate.

It is to be noted that the top ends of at least two opposite sides of the shell I4 are spaced fromthe plate 18. This permits the ingress of air so that substantially complete combustion of the gas by the burners is secured and it also serves to permit an outlet for the cooling air introduced by the blower. v

The upper member I| comprises a plate 84 provided on the top surface adjacent each side thereof, with upwardly extending side walls 85 .and 85' connected to each other through the front and rear plates 86 and 86'. The side walls 85 and 8 5 are preferably inclined with respect to the plate 84 to provide a draft for reasons which will become apparent from the description hereinafter set forth. Though the walls 85 and 85' and the plates 86 and 86' may be formed separately and secured to the plate 84, I prefer to make the plate 84, together with the said walls and plates, in a single casting.

As previously mentioned, the plate 84 is also provided with means for cooling the same. Though various means may be used for this p 

